Health & Wellness Guide

Eight Great Special Needs Products

Often when we or a child are diagnosed with any type of special needs, it may seem like a fog of uncertainty has descended upon us. There can be a whole plethora of questions that may seem like they have no answer or worse, we don’t know what question to ask. Children with special needs such as autism or other developmental problems need very specialized therapy and medical aids to help them achieve their goals. With so many options available, how do you choose or find the right special needs product that is perfect for your needs? We here at HPFY can hopefully point you to 8 great special needs medical aids that might just do the trick.

What Might Be Your Needs?

When you hear the term special needs, what exactly does that mean? To each individual, this can have many different meanings. Many special-needs diagnoses can include Down syndrome, dyslexia, cystic fibrosis, and even cleft lips. Often many of these special needs are on the autism spectrum which can further complicate matters since even those diagnosed with the same disorder on the spectrum can have a wide range of different needs. While the term Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a broad, general diagnosis it can cover a wide range of issues. Some of these issues can include:

• Autism
• Asperger’s Disease 
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder 
• Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified 
• Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

8 Super Special Needs Products

If each individual special needs patient has a unique need, what should we look for in a medical aid that can help us overcome any potential issue? Eight possible options include:

1. Sammons Pencil Weight Writing Tool

   Designed to provide some extra weight and improved grip for pens, pencils, and even utensils, this special-needs aid can be used with or without a standard pencil grip and is easily secured with a simple Velcro strap. When this tool is slid to the end of a pencil it functions as a grip and when moved to the eraser end it is used simply as a weight. The durable tricot material provides the user with an optimal grip and this writing tool is weighted with ¼ pounds of steel shot while measuring 3 ¾ inches long by 7/8 inches in diameter.

2. Sommerfly Weighted Puppy Shoulder Wrap

   Made in the USA and from 100% cotton corduroy and fleece fabric makes this durable shoulder wrap awesome for even weight distribution for a unique sensory experience for special needs patients. It is designed to move with the wearer and not bunch up around the shoulders to stay on the body. The tongue can even be used as a fidget toy.

3. Therafin Pressure Vest

   Designed for autistic children to apply constant pressure to aid in sensory stability, this vest is available in four different sizes to accommodate chest sizes 21”-38” and can be fitted quickly and is easy to adjust. It is made from neoprene with finished edges and 4 hook and loop closure points, two on the side and two at the shoulders.

4. Sommerfly Super Cat Compression Tube

   Since gentle compression can benefit those with special needs, this adds the opportunity for the wearer to increase the intensity of compression and deep touch by tying the bottom of this made in the USA, deep pressure sensory aid. It’s like a big comforting, gentle hug from top to bottom!!

 

5. Sammons Preston Graded Pegboard

   During occupational therapy, patients who need fine motor skill training can benefit from this pegboard to help with finger and hand strengthening as well as dexterity. The pegs vary in size, therefore making occupational therapy sessions more challenging and allowing for patients to progress.

6. Sommerfly Cozy Caterpillar Compression Tube

   Worn while sitting, the user stretches the compression material of this tube around the shoulders and over the knees to provide proprioceptive input and deep pressure touch. It can improve focus and calm in adults and children affected by stress, anxiety, sensory processing dysfunction, and other autistic spectrum disorders. The gentle, comforting hug this compression tube provides allows the head and feet to remain free so the user can see and explore what’s around

7. FlagHouse DressVest

   The two sizes of this vest allow for children (chest up to 32”) and teens (chest up to 38”) to help learn or re-learn dressing skills due to developmental or physical disabilities, including stroke. The comfortable and colorful vest has buttons, hook and loop fasteners, and zippers, as well as other everyday dressing items. The bright green pockets of this dressing vest allows for good contrast for those with visual impairments

8. Sommerfly Sleep Tight LIGHT Weighted Blanket

   For those who experience restlessness during the day or night, this weighted blanket is great for those who find weight helpful for calming and would prefer/require lighter weight. It features a curved neck contour that prevents bunching around the face and actually allows the blanket to wrap around the user without covering their face or putting pressure on the neck or airway. The user of this blanket must be able to take the blanket off independently

Special needs require special products or medical aids. Dealing with children, teens, and even adults that require special needs is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Children can be diagnosed with the same type of disorder on the autism spectrum but can have varying levels of functionality that require different solutions. Be open with your doctor or physical/occupational therapist and rest assured the proper special-needs aids will be found to benefit your specific instance and need.

 

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